Overcoming Anxiety: The Anxious Mind

Anxiety..... We all at some point experience anxiety. For some, it is a temporary feeling, a moment. For others, it is an ongoing issue.  But what is anxiety? Anxiety is stress, fear, a feeling of angst, worry, distress, and much more.  Anxiety can cause trouble focusing, can interrupt sleeping, can make life less enjoyable.  This fear, this feeling, can be crippling for many.  Anxiety can cause someone to lose their job, their family, their life.  Now, obviously, there are levels of anxiety.   Many get anxious when going on an airplane, or to a job interview.  But for many, anxiety is a chronic disorder. "At least 19 million Americans alone suffer from anxiety disorders-even more than those who suffer from depression."(TAB)  Common forms of anxiety are general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and many more.  Although it is widespread, anxiety disorders are "among the least recognized and treated mental health conditions."(TAB)  Some famous people that have been open about their anxiety disorders include Oprah Winfrey, John Madden, Barbra Streisand...the list goes on. 
So, how does anxiety work in regards to the brain?  Well, the brain sends danger signals throughout our body system.  We all know about the "fight or flight" response to situations and events, which kicks our autonomic system into high gear.  Our senses pick up danger in our environment.  Without going into the details of the inner workings of the brain, basically, our brain sends messages through various parts, which pumps out hormones, stress hormones, which cause our blood pressure to elevate, quickens our breath, and increases blood flow.  These responses are normal and healthy, however, in those afflicted with anxiety disorder, the system becomes so hypersensitive that it had this reaction to as kinds of harmless stimuli as if those stimuli were danger.  We become on perpetual alert.
An then there is Social anxiety Disorder.  Trouble with crowds, speaking in public, work issues, and the like.  There is a fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social circumstances for many.  It is a social phobia.  It creates anxiety.  Often times, people with this disorder become anxious when speaking to persons of authority, publicly disagreeing with other people, and more.  Physical reactions are intense.  Sweat beads up on the forhead, heart beats rapidly, and this adds to the stress.  These events can be terrifying for those who suffer.   "Social phoobia is the most prevalent form of chronic anxiety." (TAB)  There is still a great deal of information to be learned about the biology of Social Anxiety.  It is known that SSRI's (Selective Seratonin Reputake Inhibitors) are quite effective in relieving symptoms.   This suggests that serotonin is involved in this disorder.  Benzodiazoapines can also alleviate symptons as well.  These indicate that GABA is disturbed in those with Social Anxiety.  Research will hopefiully lead to better drug treatments in the treatment of this, and other anxiety disorders.
So, what to do??? Part two of Overcoming Anxiety will discuss ways to handle anxiety, from drug treatments to other treatments, many of which you can do on your own.  Remember, anxiety can be managed, if you take the time to seek treatment.